Georgia’s rugby coach Milton Haig awarded top state prize in sport

The coach of Georgia's national rugby team Milton Haig has been honoured for his successful work developing Georgian rugby with a special state award at a special reception at the New Sports Palace in capital Tbilisi earlier today.

Haig was awarded the title of the Cavalier of Sports of Georgia to recognise the New Zealander's efforts and share in the national team's recent international success.

The top state prize was handed to the national team coach by the Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs of Georgia Tariel Khechikashvili at the reception, which also involved players of Georgia's senior and U20 national rugby teams.

Established in 2012, the title of the Cavalier of Sports of Georgia is granted to athletes and coaches who achieve special success for Georgia. The title is also awarded to the country's Olympic champions and figures who contribute to charity and the development of sports infrastructure in Georgia.

New Zealander Milton Haig was awarded the prize for his contribution to the recent success of Georgian rugby. Photo from the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs of Georgia/Facebook.

The prize has been awarded to top sports figures including Georgia's five-time world chess champion Nona Gaprindashvili and three-time Olympic medal-winning shooter Nino Salukvadze.

The honouring of Haig's work as Georgia's national coach follows the Lelos' successful appearance at the 2015 Rugby World Cup. At the international tournament the Lelos impressed fans and experts alike and gained automatic qualification for the next tournament in Japan in 2019.

The Lelos also achieved more success earlier this month during their first-ever tour of friendly test matches in the Pacific islands.

Georgia scored two wins and one draw against Samoa, Tonga and Fiji within the three-match tour to return home unbeaten.

Players from Georgia's senior and youth rugby teams were also hosted at the reception. Photo from the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs of Georgia/Facebook.

The result also saw the Lelos achieve their highest-ever position in the World Rugby rankings as the team moved ahead of Japan to 11th.

Finally, Georgia's junior national team made history with their first ever appearance at the U20 World Rugby Championship in England, also held this month.

The young Lelos were promoted to the top junior tournament after winning the 2015 World Rugby U20 Trophy in Portugal.

At the World Rugby Championship, Georgia's emerging rugby stars performed strongly against leading rugby nations France and Wales and were praised after claiming a win against Italy on June 21.

Georgia's Sports Ministry is currently preparing to host next year's U20 World Rugby Championship in Georgia.